Coward? The Truth About a Sniper’s Courage

By now, I am sure that everyone knows Michael Moore’s views on snipers and the level of courage he believes they possess. If not, it surly won’t be hard to find on the internet. But, is he right? Are snipers cowards, or are they brave warriors?

To be a sniper, you no doubt have to be smart. The ability to understand physics, trigonometry, and memorize facts and features for extended periods of time and use that knowledge at the drop of a hat is no easy feat, but it does not make you brave or courageous. A sniper wins over his enemy by hiding and using deception, which again, shows considerable intelligence if done right. Again, however, this is not a display of courage. So, can naysayers like Moore be right?

Hardly. Snipers often find themselves working alone or with only one other battle buddy, unlike the standard warrior. This takes away the ability for a combined spirit. If a sniper becomes afraid, there is no one there to soothe his fear. There is no rallying cry to lift the heart of the fighter before confrontation. Any courage to combat fear must be self-borne from within the sniper’s sense of allegiance to his nation.

Lying in a field, only meters from an enemy that could overrun you with greater firepower, is a constant reality of the sniper. Often, the human enemy is not the greatest threat for this long range marksman, however. Weather, wildlife, and illness can be just as, if not more deadly than the enemy troops. Rather than pack his bags and head home though, the sniper pushes forward, inch by slow inch until he can complete his task.

In the urban environment, the proximity of the enemy combatants is often much closer than in an open battlefield, and the sniper must move from place to place without being seen. He knows that if he is unlucky or if he makes a mistake, he will be confronted with an enemy who can bring much more fight than his bolt action five shot rifle is capable of. That is not something a coward would be able to confront day after day, mission after mission. The sniper must continue to dig for courage and bravery to confront the demon of fear.

On the reverse of this coin lie those like Michael Moore. He hides behind the silver screen and social media to attack men who lace up their boots day in and day out. Rather than get his hands dirty to help his nation in any way, such a man will condemn those who are not afraid to confront their fears and bear such torments to build a better tomorrow.

I can’t help but feel that a man like Chris Kyle, if he were still among us, wouldn’t even have time to hear such comments from the media, as he would be too busy trying to help others overcome their own demons or helping care for veterans in need, as he was when his life was ended all too soon.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is the opinion of the writer and does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of US Patriot Tactical.

Seth grew up in Southern Arizona before joining the U.S. Navy. While serving in the Navy, Seth was an anti-narcotics operator and an anti-submarine operator for 5 years. He was lucky enough to travel to many of the Central and South American countries, as well as visiting many South East Asian nations and islands. One of Seth’s greatest joys from his time in the Navy was teaching new Sailors firearms education and safety. After leaving the Navy in 2010, Seth returned to Arizona and had a rough time learning how to be a civilian again, often working jobs that could barely pay the bills. After going to school, Seth became an Emergency Medical Technician in the Phoenix Valley, where he now lives with his wife and son.His areas of knowledge cover military, firearms, and emergency medicine.

Seth grew up in Southern Arizona before joining the U.S. Navy. While serving in the Navy, Seth was an anti-narcotics operator and an anti-submarine operator for 5 years. He was lucky enough to travel to many of the Central and South American countries, as well as visiting many South East Asian nations and islands. One of Seth’s greatest joys from his time in the Navy was teaching new Sailors firearms education and safety. After leaving the Navy in 2010, Seth returned to Arizona and had a rough time learning how to be a civilian again, often working jobs that could barely pay the bills. After going to school, Seth became an Emergency Medical Technician in the Phoenix Valley, where he now lives with his wife and son. His areas of knowledge cover military, firearms, and emergency medicine.

2 thoughts on “Coward? The Truth About a Sniper’s Courage”

Anyone who takes the oath and puts on the uniform of the United States military does so with the realization that there is a large implied “E” on said uniform. The “E” stands for expendable. The uniformed person of any rank and any job description can find themselves at any time a casualty of circumstances beyond their control. Knowledgeable people realize that Special Forces operators and trained snipers are heroic people because they put themselves in harm’s way knowing the odds of their survival are slim yet still go forward. Scum like Moore are truly cowards and unfit to kiss the backside of any soldier.